Cat Pee 101: Is My Cat’s Urine Normal?

Nobody likes a smelly litterbox. While even the cleanest kitty condo will possess a particular perfume, how can a cat guardian separate stinky from sickly? How can you tell if your cat’s urine is normal?

Normal cat urineObserving your cat’s urine is perhaps the biggest challenge. Litterboxes and modern litter do an excellent job of concealing sight and odor. Most felines demand total isolation when using the litterbox, making monitoring nearly impossible. With a little creativity and commitment, here are a few clues to reassure you that your cat is urinating normally:

Normal cat urine frequencyCats evolved from the dry, arid regions of Mesopotamia1. Water was scarce, so they developed clever systems to maintain hydration. As a result, most healthy, adult indoor cats will urinate twice a day on average. How frequently your cat urinates will be influenced by water consumption, heat and humidity, amount of moisture in the food, and medical conditions such as kidney disease, bladder infections, liver problems, hormonal imbalances, and more2. It’s essential to know your cat’s normal daily urination and defecation habits. Some cats are perfectly fine urinating five times a day, while for others, that would signal a dramatic increase. Many cats use the litterbox only once or twice a day, and going four times would signal a problem. If your cat suddenly begins urinating more or less than usual, don’t delay. Any changes in frequency of urination should be checked by your veterinarian immediately.

Normal cat urine colorNormal cat urine should be a clear, pale yellow3. "Golden” or “straw-colored” are often used to describe the yellowish hue of healthy urine. The urine shouldn’t be cloudy or difficult to see through. Changes in color (dark or light), cloudiness, or particulate matter (floating debris) are most often associated with bladder or kidney conditions.

Abnormal cat urineMany cats experiencing a bladder or kidney problem will urinate outside the litterbox4. I tell cat guardians if their kitty is having “accidents” in the house, something serious is happening that needs urgent veterinary attention.

Abnormal cat urine frequencyAny increase or decrease in frequency of urination is a concern. Decreased urination can signal a urethral blockage, especially in male cats5, that can become life-threatening within hours. Increased urination is often associated with bladder infections and inflammation, a painful condition. More frequent urination can also be caused by diabetes, kidney disease, and behavioral problems. Going to the litterbox more or less frequently or urinating in unusual places may be the only way your cat can call for help. Heed the call quickly.

Abnormal cat urine colorThe most common color change cat guardians report to me is dark or bloody urine. Frantic feline families call me describing a red-stained trail from litterbox to food bowl. If you notice any change in color, especially blood, notify your veterinarian at once. My biggest worry is that blood clots or swelling from infection may obstruct the urethra, causing potentially life-threatening inability to urinate. Urethral blockage can occur in a few hours, making speedy medical or surgical treatment critical. Other changes to look out for are colorless urine. Pale, watery urine without a healthy golden glow often indicate dilute urine, a sign of kidney disease or diabetes. In general, if the color or constancy change is significant enough for you to notice, it’s significant enough to have it checked by your veterinarian.

Abnormal cat urine odorBecause odor is subjective and many cat guardians have developed what we call “olfactory fatigue” when it comes to their litterbox, sniffing a problem scent can be difficult for many. I’ve been bowled over by the scent shockwave when opening many cat carriers, if you know what I mean. Many urine malodors are associated with bladder infections and cystitis6. Tumors and hormonal disorders, especially in male cats, can also cause the urine odor to change dramatically. In general, if you smell something unusual in the litterbox, have your cat examined by your veterinarian.

The bottom line of the litterboxThe bottom line with “normal versus abnormal cat urine” is knowing what is typical for your kitty. Because a cat’s lower urinary tract is extremely susceptible to infection, inflammation, and provides insight into kidney function, diabetes, and other illnesses, observe closely for any changes in frequency, color, and odor. I often advice pet parents that “subtle can be significant” and this is exceptionally true with a cat’s urination. If your cat has abnormal urine, simple blood and urine tests can quickly tell your veterinarian about the appropriate diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. If treated early, most causes of abnormal urine in cats can be corrected and have your cat feeling frisky in no time.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.